Tunnel boring machines are continuing to install concrete segments in Victoria’s new transport infrastructure while concrete culverts are installed in their wake.
The latest news on the North East Link project’s tunnels revealed TBM Zelda has completed one kilometre of the north-bound tunnel while TBM Gillian has just passed the 700 metre mark on the south-bound passage.
“As they move forward, the 4000 tonne machines [TBMs] are installing concrete segments made locally in Benalla, while concrete culverts made in Echuca are also being installed behind each TBM to form a service route for maintenance vehicles inside the tunnels,” the update from the Minister for Transport Infrastructure stated.
In 2025, the TBMs should break through near Lower Plenty Road, where on- and off-ramps are being built, before heading back underground to continue their journey towards Bulleen. Tunnelling is expected to be complete in 2026.
More than 8000 workers are currently employed across the project and this number will increase to 12,000 before the project is finished in 2028, according to the government. While the tunnels are being constructed, major upgrades are being undertaken along Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway and the M80 Ring Road to connect them to the North East Link’s tunnels.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.